A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after coming in contact with two dogs in Morris County last week, local health officials said.

The dogs were playing in their backyard in the area of Old Farmers Road and Youngman Drive on Wednesday when they spotted the raccoon, officials in Washington Township said. The dogs ran towards the raccoon, but were not attacked.

The raccoon was captured and sent for rabies testing. It tested positive for the virus, health officials said.

Both dogs are vaccinated and will receive a rabies booster soon.

Rabies is transmitted through open wounds, usually through an infected animal bite, according to the Mayo Clinic .

Fewer than 10 people die per year in America of rabies.

Infected animals usually show strange behavior, including disorientation, trou

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